As Virginia’s environmental regulatory agency, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) works to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s environment through a variety of efforts that include, issuance of permits, environmental monitoring, special studies, and oversight of cleanup actions. Some of these efforts are of significant interest to stakeholders. 

This page provides a list of some of those actions. Select any header to access a dedicated webpage with more detailed information and resources.

Bristol Landfill 
This Bristol, Virginia landfill had a history of performance problems and community concerns stemming from disruptive landfill odors. DEQ convened an expert panel to develop a series of remedial actions, many of which have been implemented. 

Buchanan County Sewer Infrastructure Damage 
First reported in February 2025, extensive sections of the Buchanan County sewer system were damaged by severe flooding of the Levisa Fork River, resulting in ongoing sewage discharges to the river and issuance of a recreation advisory. Buchanan County Public Service Authority continues to make incremental repairs to the system.  

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) 
The CPRG is a key federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. DEQ received a combined $150 million in grant funds to be used for climate action planning and implementation projects. 

Coopers Cove Petroleum Release
A petroleum leak in Hardy, Virginia, first reported in November 2023, was found to have contaminated nearby drinking water wells. DEQ has been engaged in remediation efforts to protect the community’s drinking water while exploring options for alternate water supplies.  

Dominion Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center Project 
A proposed power plant expansion at Dominion Energy’s Chesterfield power station would employ four natural gas-powered turbines for use during periods of peak power demand. This proposed project is subject to a prevention of significant deterioration air permit. 

Environmental Justice 
The Office of Environmental Justice was established in 2021 to ensure the fair and meaningful involvement of all people in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies across all DEQ programs. 

Green Ridge Landfill 
Situated on approximately 1,200 acres, this proposed recycling and disposal facility would be located in Cumberland County. 

Harmful Algal Blooms 
DEQ and the Virginia Department of Health are collaborating on a special study to investigate algal blooms that may be harmful to humans and wildlife. The study area includes Lake Anna and the Shenandoah River basin.   

Hurricane Helene Response 
In September 2024 remnants of Hurricane Helene impacted numerous localities in southwest Virginia resulting in disaster declarations for several localities. This web page is dedicated to providing information on key topics including debris management, wastewater treatment plants, petroleum storage tanks, and animal mortalities. 

Mountain Valley Pipeline - Main Line 
DEQ continues to monitor activities related to the Mountain Valley natural gas transmission pipeline that runs through Craig, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, and Roanoke counties.  

Mountain Valley Pipeline - Boost Project 
This project proposes the construction of a natural gas pipeline compressor station in Montgomery County.  

Mountain Valley Pipeline - Southgate Amendment 
The Southgate Amendment project is comprised of approximately 31.3 miles of pipeline, 26 miles of which are located in Pittsylvania County. This project will connect the Mountain Valley Pipeline main line to a separate pipeline in North Carolina.   

NPS Pilot Program 
This pay-for-performance pilot program seeks to reduce non-point source pollution in the Chesapeake Bay through innovative nutrient reduction projects.  

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 
PFAS are persistent synthetic chemicals used in consumer products since the 1940s. Since 2021, DEQ has been monitoring PFAS in streams, rivers, and reservoirs across the Commonwealth. 

Possum Point 
This former coal-fired power plant holds several permits with DEQ for continued operation as a natural gas and oil-fired plant and the closure of former coal ash impoundments. 

Radford Army Ammunition Plant 
Built in the 1940s, this plant is the only active military propellant manufacturing center in the country. The facility is subject to a variety of air, water, and waste regulations administered by DEQ.  

Robinson Terminal North 
DEQ’s Petroleum Program is monitoring corrective actions to address soil and groundwater contamination at the Robinson Terminal North property located at 500 and 501 North Union Street, in the City of Alexandria.  

Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) 
This Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company’s (Transco’s) pipeline project involves construction of 26.8 miles of 42-inch diameter pipeline in Pittsylvania County to transport natural gas from an existing Transco station to an interconnect with Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Main Line. 

Tidewater Air Monitoring Evaluation Project 
DEQ is conducting a special study to evaluate the potential health impacts of nearby coal storage and transportation facilities in the Lambert’s Point neighborhood in Norfolk and the Southeast Community in Newport News.  

Volkswagen Settlement Agreement 
As a result of a settlement agreement with Volkswagen stemming from a violation of the Clear Air Act, DEQ administers over $93 million through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation trust to reduce air pollution in Virginia.